In Loving Memory of

Dr. Rowland Haryett

of Edmonton
Apr 21, 2020

It is sadly announced that Dr. Rowland (Buster) Dalton Haryett quietly passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at age 96. He joins the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Muriel, who passed away in 2015.

Buster was born on August 18, 1923 and raised in Bancroft, Ontario, the eldest child of Rowland Emmerson (the town Dentist) and Lillian Haryett. He had three younger siblings, Betty, Billy and Bobby all of whom predeceased their older brother. After completing his high school education, Buster began work as a teller in the local Bank of Nova Scotia. His career in banking was derailed by the Second World War. Shortly after turning 18 he voluntarily enlisted in the armed forces and trained as a pilot. Upon completion of his training he was posted to a Royal Air Force anti-submarine squadron with Coastal Command and was stationed at a number of airbases in the U.K. and Ireland. During his secondment to the R.A.F. he served as co-pilot with the rank of Lieutenant. Upon his transfer to the Royal Canadian Air Force he received his own crew with the rank of Captain and continued to serve with Coastal Command in the same capacity until the war in Europe came to an end. The war in the Pacific ended while he waited upon a transfer to that front. It was during his service that Buster developed a deep affection for England and all things English, an affection he passed on to his son.

Upon his return to Canada, Buster took advantage of the educational opportunities offered to veterans and attended the University of Toronto where he first studied dentistry before specializing in the field of orthodontics. While attending the University he met the woman he would marry, Muriel Ralph. Bus met Muriel on the street car that they rode daily to the University. Muriel was working as a lab technician at the University and by coincidence lived in the same neighbourhood. Buster summoned the courage to ask Muriel out and after a period of dating, married in 1949. Upon his graduation in 1954, Bus headed west to Edmonton to open his orthodontic practice with Muriel joining him soon thereafter. In 1959, Bus and Muriel had their only child, Rowland Kent.

Over the next thirty plus years, Buster built a thriving orthodontics practice treating thousands of children from across Northern Alberta over the course of his career. In addition to maintaining a busy office, he was active in research and was heavily involved with the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Alberta where he lectured on a part time basis for over forty years. Not to mention the numerous dental associations and societies of which he was not only a part but a participant. He was a dedicated professional throughout his life.

Notwithstanding a hectic professional life, Buster was actively involved with his son, Kent, and with the community. Over the years he coached little league baseball, minor hockey and cub scouts helping numerous children develop both athletic and life skills. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and could tell numerous stories of his adventures with his hunting and fishing cronies. He was as adept with a fly rod as a dental tool. He and Muriel loved to travel and together they were fortunate to see and form many beautiful memories of faraway places.

Somewhere, the boy from rural Ontario developed a taste for art and over the years built an envious collection of works by Canadian artists, now donated to the University Hospital. He was a strong believer in the therapeutic effects of art as anyone who ever attended his office can attest. He was a strong supporter of First Nations artists and proudly hung their work in his home and office.

Buster is survived by his son, Kent; nieces, Shawna, Paula, Beverly, Colleen and Cindy; nephews, Brian, David, Michael and Robby; and a score of grand nieces and nephews.

In light of the current state of affairs, a Memorial Service will be held for Rowland Haryett at a later date to be announced. Further information can be obtained through Foster and McGarvey’s website.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to any Veteran’s association or the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society.